Tarragon: The Herb that Aids Sleep and Fights Bacteria
Called the “King of the Herbs” by the French, you probably know tarragon best for its culinary use. Its dried leaves and flowering tops are commonly included in stews, sauces, fish, chicken dishes and omelets to add an interesting pop of flavor. It’s also commonly found in seasoning blends. Fresh tarragon is best to use, and the herb gives off a sweet and powerful flavor similar to anise or locorice roots
But don’t think this herb is just a key ingredient for that tarragon chicken recipe. It can go from your kitchen pantry straight into your medicine cabinet. Tarragon is also a top herbs  that is used to relieve digestive issues, heart health conditions, poor appetite, water retention, toothaches, as well as sleep and menstruation problems.
The health benefits can easily and immediately become a part of your life once you start consuming the fresh or dried herb. In fact, research shows that the essential oil is able to fight Staph infection and E. coli!
What Is Tarragon?
Tarragon or Artemisia dracunculus has a long history of use as a spice and remedy. It’s a bushy aromatic herb of the Asteraceae family, and the plant is believed to be native to Siberia.
Two common forms include Russian and French tarragon. French tarragon is cultivated in Europe (mainly France and Spain) and North America.
The leaves are bright green with a flavor most similar to anise. In case you’re not familiar with star anise , it has a licorice-like taste. This herb contains 0.3 percent to 1.0 percent essential oil, the principal component of which is methyl chavicol.
Health Benefits
Improved Digestion
The oils in tarragon trigger the body’s natural digestive juices, making it an excellent digestive aid not only as an aperitif (which helps spark the appetite), but also to digest food properly.
It can assist the digestive process from beginning to end, starting with saliva excretion in the mouth to production of gastric juices in the stomach to peristaltic motion in the intestines.
Better Sleep
While not scientifically proven, tarragon might help with sleep issues like insomnia Some herbalists suggest having tarragon tea before you hit the hay to calm the nervous system and encourage a restful sleep.
If taken at bedtime, a tea made from one teaspoon of the fresh leaves to one cup of hot water could help you get a better night’s sleep.
The French have traditionally used tarragon tea as a remedy for insomnia, and even WebMD mention its use to promote sleep.
Encourages Menstruation
Some women who have suppressed menstruation find tarragon to be helpful. It’s promoted by herbalists to encourage menstruation and help maintain the overall health of the female reproductive tract.
There is no scientific research to back up this claim, but to be on the safe side, don’t overdo it on tarragon or take it in supplement form if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Toothache Remedy
Throughout history, traditional herbal medicine has utilized fresh tarragon leaves as a home remedy for Toothache relief
 . The ancient Greeks are said to have chewed the leaves to numb the mouth. Research indicate that this pain-relieving effect is due to the high levels of eugenol, a naturally occurring anesthetic chemical, found in the plant.
Clove oil, another popular natural toothache remedy, also contains the same pain-relieving eugenol. Tarragon can also help decrease the sore gums that often accompany toothaches.
Fights Bacteria
Two types of bacteria that are both very well-known and very dangerous are Staphylococcus aureus (the cause of Staph infection) and Escherichia coli (E.coli). 
Boils, impetigo, food poisoning, cellulitis and toxic shock syndrome are all examples of diseases that can be caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
Reduces Blood Sugar
Research implies that tarragon extract can help to reduce blood sugar levels in animals and people with insulin sensitivity.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that when tarragon was consumed before meals, participants displayed significant reductions in total insulin secretion, helping to normalize their blood sugar levels.
Tarragon vs. Thyme
Tarragon
Very limited in culinary usage and is mainly used fresh and uncooked
Essential oil is a digestive and appetite aid
In the sunflower family
Only a handful of species
Has an anise flavor
Mild sedative
Thyme
Widely used in any savory dish and is almost always cooked
Thyme oil  aka thymol, is an antiseptic
In the mint family
Over 300 species
Tangy, lemony and woody flavor
Mood-lifter